We reached triple digits in the Ozarks and people were complaining left and right about the heat. Several folks were saying how they weren't about to get out in the heat and how nice it was to stay inside with the air conditioning. No matter how hot (or cold) it gets, dairy farmers have chores to do. The cows still have to be milked twice a day, every day regardless of the weather.
Farmers take measures to make sure the cows are kept as comfortable as possible. Every dairy farm is different, so there isn't any one set rule as the best thing to do, just the best for that particular farm. We let the cows spread out under shade trees during the day and let them stand under water misters before milking time to cool off. Fresh water is available at all times and each cow is closely monitored. These are just a few of the things we do for the cows. In a few months, we'll be doing other things to see to their comfort during the cold weather. No matter what time of year, or what type of weather, it's all about keeping the cows comfortable. As for this week, thank goodness for the shade trees!
